AFC Telford United travel to Blyth Spartans tonight looking to re-ignite their Blue Square North promotion challenge – but they must do it with just one fit striker.

Mark Danks is the only out-and-out front man available to lead the line at Croft Park this evening, with Andy Brown unable to play two games in four days due to his on-going Achilles problem.

Danny Carey-Bertram (hamstring) is also out, leaving Danks as the only attacking option as the Bucks bid to return to winning ways, having gained just one point from their last two league outings.

Telford had tried to bring in a new face ahead of tonight’s long trek north, but assistant manager Larry Chambers admitted they had so far drawn a blank.

“We’ve tried but we’ve been out of luck,” he revealed. “We’re still hoping to bring someone in ahead of the weekend, though they wouldn’t be available for the Trophy in any case (the semi-final second leg at York is on Saturday).

“We’ve got three or four irons in the fire and we’re close to getting someone in.

“Andy Brown is not available tonight and that is a blow – especially as Danny Carey-Bertram won’t play either.

“We have got quite a big squad to select from, but we’re still depleted in certain areas.”

Blyth are struggling in the league, currently sitting second-from-bottom and five points adrift of safety.

The trip holds fond memories for Chambers and boss Rob Smith, whose first game in charge of the Bucks was away to the Northumberland outfit back in February 2006.

That one finished as a 1-1 draw, but Chambers acknowledges a win is important tonight.

“I remember the game as if it was yesterday and it was the start of a good run for us,” he recalled.

“We need the three points this time, though. We’ve got to stay close to the leaders and it would be a great confidence booster for the lads.”

Telford’s options tonight are boosted by the return of midfielders Danny Edwards, Phil Trainer and Emeka Nwadike, as well as striker Danks – all of whom were cup-tied for the 2-0 defeat to York in the first leg at the weekend.

Right-back Lee Vaughan is suspended as he completes a three-game ban.

By CHRIS HUDSON